Solomon's Deli
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Community
Christmas Tree
12/01
This is a personal story about the
effects of small random acts of
kindness. Few of our daily actions are really noteworthy, but the
ripple effect of some of them can reach out to many.
We
live in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center. There
are many wetland areas surrounding our neighborhood. One of
the largest has walking paths through a variety of woods, reeds,
and marshes.
Shortly after Thanksgiving, we went for a walk around the
wetlands. The air was warm, but the trees were bare, the cattails
and grass were brown, and most of the wildlife
had flown south
for the winter. It is the time of year where everything seems
lifeless until the first snow falls to give everything a magical
appeal again.
Nearing the end of our walk, we eyed a small evergreen tree in a
clearing, the only conifer tree in the area. As we got closer, we
discovered that someone had put Christmas decorations on it. How
wonderful to think
that someone spent the time to decorate it just
for the benefit of others. We stopped and admired it for a while,
then continued on our walk.
A few days later I was thinking about the tree. We were writing
Christmas cards and I decided to deliver one to the tree. One
reason was to thank the person (or people) who did the decorating,
and another reason was to do an experiment. Most people like to
contribute to things and to feel a part of something, they just
don't
know where to help. I wondered if putting up a card might spur
others to contribute. It was a simple message of wishing a Merry
Christmas to the decorators and all who pass by the tree.
Of course, about two days later there was a severe thunderstorm
with high winds that battered the decorations and peeled much of
the paint off the bulbs. There were paint flecks all over the
ground.
The tree started to symbolize the strength of faith; a little tree in
the
middle of a large woods that gets battered by the storms, but still
stands strong. Each life stands out and is noticed, whether we realize
it or not.
About three weeks later, I was curious about the tree and went for
a walk through the wetlands. Not only were there more cards, but
people also brought more ornaments to hang. Nearly everyone who
passed by was moved to add to it and take part ownership of the
Christmas spirit that it represented. The cards spoke of the
thankfulness to the others who were there earlier, and how it changed
their outlook once they saw the tree. One person was deeply moved
by it.
That's what random acts of kindness is all about: to have a positive
influence on the people around you. As
I think about the setting, I realize that the wetlands and the tree
symbolize more than life, it also symbolizes the true first Christmas.
Jesus was born in a time of spiritual darkness. He is the light that
overcame that darkness. One small baby in a great big world. One
small light that spread out to all that came into contact with him.
One small baby that changed everything. One small baby that holds
the key to eternal life. I
want to thank all who contributed to this Christmas blessing. Each
person doing their small part can collectively make a big difference!
I hope everyone will do a random act of kindness in their own way. Belated
Christmas Blessings to everyone now and throughout the year,
John and
Jenny
Luke 2:1-20
Update
3/2/02
The community tree
continues! For Valentine's Day, it was
blessed with giant hearts (sorry, no pictures), and now, it has
been overwhelmed with pastel Easter eggs. Thanks to the
Easter decorators, whoever you are.
Stay tuned for future updates. In the mean time, enjoy the
newest pics!
John 20:1-9
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